The history of the Bhubaneswar-Khurda region goes back 2000 years. Emperor
Kharavela established his capital in Sisupalgarh which is on the outskirts of the city.
The Hathigumpha inscriptions at the Udayagiri caves and Khandagiri caves are
evidence of the region's antiquity. Modern Bhubaneswar was originally meant to be a
well planned city with wide roads and many gardens and parks. The plan was made
by Otto H. Koenigsberger, a German town planner. . Though part of the city has
stayed faithful to the plan, it has grown rapidly over the last few decades and has
made the planning process unwieldy.
Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern aspirations, it forms
an integral link in the Golden Triangle that incorporates the holy city of Puri and
Konark. The area is attractive to tourists for its spiritual significance. To the east are
the famous Sun temple of Konark and the Jagannath Temple of Puri. The Lingaraj
Temple of old Bhubaneswar, built in the 11th century, is another temple noted for its
ancient history. The Khandagiri and Dhauligiri, situated on the outskirts of the city,
carry monuments of the Jain monks since the times of the great king Kharavela.
Another such monument is the Shantistupa, which was built as a symbol of peace at
the site where the great Kalinga War took place between Emperor Ashoka and
Kalinga (the old empire of Orissa).
Bhubaneswar is known for its architecture and ancient temples The imposing spire
of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink
translucence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire feelings of
wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross--cultural permutations.
The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an extensive selection of archaeological
artifacts, weapons, local arts and crafts as well as insights into Orissa's natural and
tribal history. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal
dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen offers a bird's eye view of the State's tribal
heritage.
